The Best Flea Markets Thrift Stores In Chicago

There are many great things about thrift stores and flea markets—the hope and excitement of the search, the thrill of finding exactly what you’re looking for, the joy of a bargain, and the satisfaction of helping a worthy cause or simply shopping in a sustainable way. Chicago is blessed with some great places to experience that roller coaster, and here are some of the best.

1. Randolph Street Market

Market

Held one weekend per month inside the Beaux Arts Plumbers Hall at 1340 West Washington and at the 1350 block of West Randolph Street (there are two entrances), the award-winning Randolph Street Market is home to the Chicago Antique Market, Indie Designer Market and more, featuring hundreds of vendors selling antiques, vintage clothing, and art. There’s an admission fee as the city does not subsidize the event, but there are bargains to be found, as well as a variety of food and drinks to enjoy.

2. Maxwell Street Market

Market

Although it no longer takes place at its original location on Maxwell Street, this market has over 100 years of history. Originally started by immigrants in the late 19th century, it’s still a multicultural affair with all kinds of international and authentic knick-knacks available and music and performances providing a pleasant atmosphere. It takes places year-round on Sundays, and a real highlight is the amazing Mexican street food.

3. Kane County Flea Market

Market

Approximately 40 miles west of Chicago, in St. Charles, Illinois, the Kane County Flea Market is a Midwest mecca for collectors of antiques, jewelry, furniture, and books, boasting a reputation as the “Best in the Midwest or Anywhere.” It’s also a family affair, now run by the sons of Helen Robinson, who founded the market in the 1960s. The indoor-outdoor event typically takes place the first weekend of every month, rain or shine. As they say, “if they made it, you will find it at Kane!”

5. Second Chance Thrift

Store

Not far from the United Center, Second Chance Thrift is not only a great thrift store, but it’s also for a great cause as it’s the store of the ReVive Center for Housing and Healing, a not-for-profit organization committed to fighting homelessness in Chicago. The store offers a tidy and organized range of branded clothing, household items, and unique collectibles at bargain prices, and the staff is passionate and friendly. All clothing is half-off on Tuesdays.

6. The Silver Umbrella

Shop, Store

In 2014, sisters Zakiyyah and Shaakira Muhammad opened The Silver Umbrella, the thrift store they felt the students and locals of Hyde Park were wanting. Offering a place where people can buy and sell designer and better quality new and gently used clothing, footwear and accessories, the store has gone from strength to strength since. Its name came from Zakiyyah’s daughter, in case you were wondering.

7. Thrift & Thrive

Park, Shop, Store

Over in Portage Park, Thrift & Thrive is a store with an emphasis on green living and community. It was the brainchild of Melissa and Joseph Basilone, who opened the shop in response to the effects of the financial crisis, recognizing the wider need for affordable, gently used clothing and goods. The store was revamped in early 2017, with an expanded showroom to better display the collection of household goods, vintage clothing, books, records, movies, and more.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.